In this episode, TBOFN Journalist Maxwell Kablan sits down with the brains behind the Non-League Network, Co-Founder David Leese & Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Tordeur, to unpack how the platform came to life and why it matters so much to the non-league game. From grassroots football to business, community, and club support, they share the story behind building a network designed to connect players, clubs, volunteers, and services across the football pyramid. Patrick brings a unique international background, having played in Belgium, England, and Spain, before moving deeper into the business side of sport and finding his way back into football through the Non-League Network. David, meanwhile, explains how his own grassroots and non-league experiences exposed the lack of a real middleman between players and clubs, and inspired him to create a platform that could help bridge that gap. Together, they discuss the products and services the network is building for clubs and players, from mental health support and sponsorship opportunities to safeguarding, staffing, and practical club solutions. They also open up about the challenges of growing a startup in a space where most people involved are volunteers, and share their long-term vision of making the Non-League Network the go-to ecosystem for non-league football in the UK and beyond. KEY TAKEAWAYS The non-league game is full of clubs, players, and volunteers who need better access to products, services, and support. The Non-League Network was created to act as a middleman between clubs and the solutions they need. Volunteer-led clubs often struggle with time, staffing, and commercial decision-making. Mental health, safeguarding, sponsorship, and staffing are all areas where clubs can benefit from more tailored support. The long-term vision is to build a wider ecosystem that helps make non-league football more sustainable. BEST MOMENTS “There’s no way I’m going to pass that.” “We wanted to build a platform where we can act as that middleman between players and clubs.” “It’s a community that’s much bigger than we thought.” “A sports club is basically a business.” “If we can even save one team from folding, that would make my day.” ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943 OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ @businessoffootball Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.
